Sports Takes and Predictions

Bears, Packers and Redskins Shine in Week 11

With all the byes behind us, all 32 NFL teams are playing in week 11. It got off to a surprising start, at least to me, with the Bears dominating the Dolphins in Miami. With a packed slate, the action on Sunday was happening fast and furiously. There were some big matchups and some telling results.

The Bears are finding more ways to make their opponents worry

With the very important Giants-Eagles game currently being played, here are the Average Guy NFL Week 11 Awards:

Defensive Rookie

Most Impressive Performance in a Loss

Welcome Back Mike Williams

Mike Williams, Seattle Seahawks – 6 receptions 109 yards

Quick Takes

I watched the bulk of the Redskins-Titans game. I was really impressed with the play of the Redskins offensive line, especially because injuries led to a patchwork group. They did a very good job of protecting Donovan McNabb and opening up holes for the running backs. Kyle Shanahan clearly put together an excellent offensive game plan.

It was a real shame that Vince Young got hurt. He was throwing a good ball before the injury. I don’t know what the heck happend after that though.

Rusty Smith is not ready for primetime. Not even close.

Of course, a stat that I always like to look at is third down conversions. Coming into the game in Tennessee, Washington was last in the NFL on third down conversions at 22%. In today’s win they converted 50% and it made a big difference in the game.

On the topic of third down conversions – they were definitely a factor in the Falcons-Rams game. Atlanta converted nine of 17, while St. Louis was only one of 10.

I was glad to hear some NFL pundits considering a pick of the Rams. It shows the progress the franchise has made this season. But the Falcons are just too good to lose that game.

The Steelers showed that they truly do have one of the best defenses in the NFL, holding the recently explosive Raiders to just 182 total yards.

I was definitely impressed by the Bears and Bucs this week who showed that they are for real by posting shutouts on somebody else’s turf.

The Chiefs, Jaguars and Redskins all sent a message not to count them out yet.

Shovel the dirt on the Bengals and Vikings. They are done.

One BIG Question

Can the Dolphins and Titans climb back into the playoff race? Or are they done now too?